The Execution of Alleged Coup-Plotters on Christmas Eve 1969: A Political Purge in Equatorial Guinea

On Christmas Eve in 1969, a significant and tragic event unfolded in Equatorial Guinea under the regime of President Francisco Macías Nguema. Following a complaint from the Public Prosecutor regarding 'excesses and maltreatment' by government officials, Macías initiated a brutal purge that resulted in the execution of approximately 150 alleged coup-plotters. These individuals were primarily political opponents, and their execution marked a dark chapter in the nation's history, highlighting the extreme measures taken by Macías to eliminate dissent and consolidate his power. This purge was not an isolated incident; it was part of a broader strategy employed by Macías to establish a totalitarian regime. In July 1970, he further solidified his grip on power by outlawing all opposition political parties, effectively silencing any form of political dissent. By 1972, he declared himself president for life, reinforcing his authoritarian rule. Macías's regime was characterized by a break from traditional alliances, as